Though some may find it generic, Stone Mountain's name could not be more appropriate. Tucked up against the high wall of the Blue Ridge in the northwest corner of the state, the one thing you'll see on this peak is stone, and lots of it. One of the more unique natural features of the Southern Appalachians is its abundance of granite plutons, of which Stone Mountain is included. Plutons are peaks made of erosion resistant rock and are characterized by expansive open cliffs. Stone Mountain's open slopes rise some 600' above the surrounding valley and overlook numerous lesser summits with open, precipitous slopes of their own. Add to all this a half dozen waterfalls (one over 200' high), a restored historic farmstead, and a trail network that tops out over 20 miles you have one of the finest pieces of property in the entire State of North Carolina.

The state park itself was established in 1975 and now encompasses some 14,000+ acres, making it one of the largest in the system. It also offers modern camping, a somewhat unique feature within the NC State Park system. For this hike I'd be trying to take in the major highlights of the park in one 7-mile loop. Starting at the trailhead for the Stone Mountain Loop Trail I planned on making the side-loop out to Stone Mountain's neighbors, Wolf and Cedar Rocks. I'd then make my way down to the old Hutchinson Homestead (a restored 19th Century farm) and over to the 200' sliding cascade of Stone Mountain Falls. The grand finale would be the return hike up and over Stone Mountain itself. This promised to be one of the more unique and varied hikes I'd partaken in in recent memory, come on along and see what I found...

Stone Mountain State Park, Alleghany & Wilkes Counties (5-13-14)

The first thing you notice upon entering the park is that Stone Mountain itself is nowhere to be seen. In fact, you can't see the parks namesake peak from anywhere along the park loop with the exception of the parking area at the end of the road to the Hutchinson Homestead...

My day would start and end at the north end of the loop road at the so-called Lower Trailhead Parking Area. The Stone Mountain Loop Trail, which I'd be using for much of the hike begins here alongside convenient restroom and vending facilities...

Topping out on Wolf Rock the trail follows an old lane along a historic stone wall. Many families lived in the shadow of Stone Mountain before it was preserved as a park. There are a number of places like this where they're presence is still apparent...

More evidence of man's presence before the park lies just off the trail midway between Wolf and Cedar Rock. An old cabin which is ever so slowly succumbing to nature provides a haunting glimpse of the past...

The rock slopes here and on the other peaks in the park are deceptively steep. You gotta watch yourself wandering around, especially downwards as the slopes get progressively steeper the lower you go...

The rear of the main house at the Hutchinson Homestead...the home underwent numerous additions and improvements from the time it was built in the 1860's as the family grew and its needs changed over the years...